Hope College Parking Citation Appeal Process

Please read the following before submitting your appeal form.

Parking citations are issued for infractions of established College Parking regulations. You may pick up a copy of the parking regulations at the Campus Safety Office or obtain a copy online. An appeal should be based on the premise that the violation issued was not consistent with the Hope Parking Regulations, or that special extenuating circumstances exist that should excuse the appellant from compliance with those regulations. Appeals must be submitted in writing within 30 calendar days of the violation date. Appeals which are submitted more than 30 calendar days after the violation date will not be considered.

The Appeal Board has authority to deny an appeal of a violation, partially grant an appeal of a violation, reduce the violation to a warning, or grant the appeal. The Parking Citation Appeal Board is the final College ruling regarding Parking Citations.

The Appeal Board attempts to make its decision based on the Parking regulations of this institution found at the Campus Safety Office or online.

The following are situations that are typically NOT accepted as valid extenuating circumstances for parking in violation of Hope’s Parking Regulations:

Lack of a parking permit. All motor vehicles possessed or used on campus must be registered with Campus Safety as soon as operation of said vehicle begins on campus.

How long you were parked in violation. Officers will issue a citation to any vehicle parked in violation of regulations. An appeal that states that the vehicle was only parked for two minutes, five minutes, etc is not considered valid. A parking restriction holds for parking for any period of time.

Your need to get to class/work/an appointment on time. It typically requires a few minutes to locate a parking space within the campus' parking system. It is suggested that drivers plan their schedules such that there is sufficient time to find and park in a legal space and allow for extra walking time.

Lack of a parking space near your destination. Parking spaces are very competitive, and the campus' parking system doesn't guarantee a space in a specific lot. Drivers must park in a legal space in a lot valid for their permit.

You do not live on campus. A Visitor/Guest is defined as anyone NOT currently enrolled in classes or part of the faculty/staff at Hope College. Students and commuters living off campus are NOT considered visitors to the college and may not park in visitor spaces.

Did not see the sign or line markings. It is the driver's responsibility to note and comply with all posted signage, notices, and line markings. When a space does not have a sign, line markings must be followed. Faculty and Staff Parking spaces are marked with white spaces. Student parking spaces are marked yellow.

Lack of knowledge of the regulations. It is the driver’s responsibility to read and familiarize themselves with the Parking Regulations. The regulations may be found at the Campus Safety Office or online. Your opinion that the parking rules are unfair is not a legitimate basis for appeal.

Someone else was using your vehicle. Loaning a vehicle to another driver does not excuse the owner from violations incurred by the vehicle.

Vehicle malfunction. Drivers who experience a vehicle malfunction or otherwise disabled vehicle and cannot move their vehicle (for example: out of a lot that prohibits overnight parking) must report their vehicle as disabled to Campus Safety immediately at 616-395-7770, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Use of four-way hazard flashers. Four-way flashers are designed to warn other motorists that your vehicle may be a hazard. Use of four-way flashers does not allow you to park illegally for any period of time.

If after reviewing the above information, you believe you have not violated the Parking Regulations and have just cause to file an appeal, you may agree to the terms below and fill out the appeal form.

I hereby certify that I have read the Parking Violation Appeal Process Information presented herein and I believe I am making such an appeal in accordance with these conditions. I understand that providing false information in this appeal could result in further action under the College’s Handbook.

I UNDERSTAND THE DECISION OF THE APPEAL BOARD IS FINAL AND BINDING WITHOUT FURTHER RIGHT OF REVIEW.